With the 19th Pick, the Raptors select Ja'Kobe Walter!

[Indeed]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Agree, except Dick has a place on this team.
Most of our best players are not way above average on defense in the needs of an offensive player that they can cover his problem.
Teams like Miami with Bam defending the paint or Cleveland with multiple shot blockers can have a structure like that, but we don't.

We are better off with a two-way players, which is why Walter is more the solution as you said.

[Landomar]

Ja'Kobe has been very impressive so far, and is likely to improve a lot over the offseason. Going into next season, we should be planning to give Walter a pretty significant role in the rotation. The overall talent has been quite visible with him, and he's definitely been one of the most fun guys to cheer for on the team this year.

[OakleyDokely]

NOV/DEC/JAN (29 GMS): 18.5 MIN, 7.1 PPG, .387 FG, .286 3PT, .696 FT
FEB/MAR/APR (20 GMS): 24.4 MIN, 10.2 PPG, .416 FG, .410 3PT, .903 FT

[Thaddy]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

[raincityraptors]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

At the start of the season, I thought I was being controversial saying I liked Walter over Dick and I didn't think he would show enough in year 1 given how skinny he is. I thought that like Gradey, we would start to see it come together in year 2 - especially after he missed training camp.

Boy am I glad he proved me wrong. I'm surprised by how good he looks at defense and how much he can stick with his man despite being smaller than Gradey.

I'm not surprised with how calm he is with the ball. Dude was the number 1 option at Baylor. He showed that bag at Baylor. His foul baiting craft was already elite for a rookie. He will be a great passer for a 2 guard.

If his ability to get to the paint comes along further he's going to make my favorite player (RJ) look redundant.

[TakeYourHeart]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

[Thaddy]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

I didn't copy your thoughts. I watch highlights, read comments, and then post my opinion which is formed by what I'm seeing and reading. Your comparison of Walter and Gradey and the differences in their game is shared by most fans. I didn't know you had a copyright on basketball observation. Anyone who's watching the Raptors right now is strictly doing so for Walter. I watch every game despite the tanking, you can see that from my participation in the game threads. If anything it looks like you summarized my post. If you are going to post personal attacks then don't bother interacting with me on this board.

[TimeForChange]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

holy ****

there's a reason that bum is on my IL

[LoveMyRaps]

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

I didn't copy your thoughts. I watch highlights, read comments, and then post my opinion which is formed by what I'm seeing and reading. Your comparison of Walter and Gradey and the differences in their game is shared by most fans. I didn't know you had a copyright on basketball observation. Anyone who's watching the Raptors right now is strictly doing so for Walter. I watch every game despite the tanking, you can see that from my participation in the game threads. If anything it looks like you summarized my post. If you are going to post personal attacks then don't bother interacting with me on this board.

LMAOOOOOOOOO BROTHER YOU GOT CAUGHT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

WORD FOR WORD. BAR FOR BAR. HAHAHAHAHAAHHAHA

You literally ran the guys post through ChatGPT and had it paraphrased.

This gotta be the funniest thing I've seen since mdenny got caught using burner accounts last year.

[ArthurVandelay]

Always a chuckle to be found around here

[Dr. Nick]

Lmao wtf

[XTC]

JKW looks like to be a guy who can score within the flow of the offense, or you can give him the ball and he can breakdown the defender and create his shot... and he's already a good defender. I'm getting Eddie Jones vibes when I watch JKW, he has a rare archetype, and a ton of potential.

It's going to be interesting to see if he can build off his rookie season, and take his game to the next level. He's a natural hooper, and if he can be a guy who can lockdown the opposing guard, and give you an efficient 20 a night when he's older, that's a great player for us. The only players I'd be comfortable taking over JKW from the 2024 draft would be Castle, and Rissacher. JKW in my eyes has allstar potential.

[WuTang_CMB]

LOL

[HumbleRen]

Ja'Kobe has usurped Gradey in terms of both short and long term solution as starting SG for this team.

Gradey might have slightly more offensive upside, but JW is the better all around player by far IMO. I still think Gradey has a place on this team but moreso as an off the bench scorer.

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

Bruh

[XTC]

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

I didn't copy your thoughts. I watch highlights, read comments, and then post my opinion which is formed by what I'm seeing and reading. Your comparison of Walter and Gradey and the differences in their game is shared by most fans. I didn't know you had a copyright on basketball observation. Anyone who's watching the Raptors right now is strictly doing so for Walter. I watch every game despite the tanking, you can see that from my participation in the game threads. If anything it looks like you summarized my post. If you are going to post personal attacks then don't bother interacting with me on this board.

Bro you literally took his comment, and changed a couple words around, you got caught

[MainEvent]

Walter has the stronger defense, but what’s really stood out is that his offensive fundamentals provide a more solid base. His dribbling is more refined than Gradey’s, he stays under control with the ball while Gradey often appears hurried, and even as a rookie, he demonstrates superior court vision. He also keeps unveiling skills—like shielding defenders, drawing contact for fouls, and executing a controlled finish (as seen against the Sixers)—that make you think, “Wow, he can do that?!” Overall, Walter seems to have a more natural instinct for the game, whereas Gradey thrives as a pure shooter. That said, if it’s just about knocking down shots, I still have more confidence in Gradey right now. But in terms of a well-rounded offensive package, Walter is the more intriguing prospect to me.

[PushDaRock]

lmao why wasn't that just copy and pasted instead?

[XTC]

Walter has the stronger defense, but what’s really stood out is that his offensive fundamentals provide a more solid base. His dribbling is more refined than Gradey’s, he stays under control with the ball while Gradey often appears hurried, and even as a rookie, he demonstrates superior court vision. He also keeps unveiling skills—like shielding defenders, drawing contact for fouls, and executing a controlled finish (as seen against the Sixers)—that make you think, “Wow, he can do that?!” Overall, Walter seems to have a more natural instinct for the game, whereas Gradey thrives as a pure shooter. That said, if it’s just about knocking down shots, I still have more confidence in Gradey right now. But in terms of a well-rounded offensive package, Walter is the more intriguing prospect to me.

You're clearly copying Thaddy

[dTox]

Walter’s defense is already a clear strength, but what’s really surprised me is how solid his offensive fundamentals are, especially compared to Gradey. His handle is more advanced, and he plays with greater poise on the ball. Gradey often looks rushed in similar situations. As a rookie, Walter is already making better passing reads and showing a natural feel for playmaking.

What stands out even more is the variety in his offensive toolkit. He’s shown the ability to put defenders in jail, bait fouls with craft, and pull off slow step finishes like the one in the Sixers game. He just feels more wired as a true hooper, someone who plays with instinct and versatility.

That’s not a knock on Gradey. I still trust his shot more right now. But in terms of overall offensive upside, Walter feels more exciting and complete at this point.

If Walter was in this draft with what we know he'd be a shoe in top 5 pick after the main 3.

Wtf...I posted that on Reddit. We plagiarizing Reddit posts now? Bitch get your own thoughts lmao

I didn't copy your thoughts. I watch highlights, read comments, and then post my opinion which is formed by what I'm seeing and reading. Your comparison of Walter and Gradey and the differences in their game is shared by most fans. I didn't know you had a copyright on basketball observation. Anyone who's watching the Raptors right now is strictly doing so for Walter. I watch every game despite the tanking, you can see that from my participation in the game threads. If anything it looks like you summarized my post. If you are going to post personal attacks then don't bother interacting with me on this board.

What I'm trying to understand is the reasoning behind all of this. You post on an anonymous board, nothing to gain as we are all strangers to one another, yet you decided to plagiarize someone else, for what gain? Lol

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using RealGM mobile app

[Tripod]

That might me the craziest thing I have seen on here....lol. Even used the Sixers game example...lol.

Then a double down on top of that? Crazy.